A 'Tail' of Service: Famous Military Working Dog Retires

Jan. 23, 2026 | By Abigail Carey, Fort Meade Public Affairs |

The beloved military working dog, known across the force for greeting users when they log in to military devices, is now retired from active service.

Affectionately called "Doggles," MWD Nick served eight years in the Army, seven of those at Fort Meade, Maryland. Nick specialized in explosives detection, helping technicians confront and defeat explosives around the world.

Some of the biggest assignments that Nick and handler Army Staff Sgt. Justin Peyton, assigned to the 2nd Military Working Dog Detachment, have worked include 58 Secret Service missions, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit, a Democratic National Convention, the Army's 250th anniversary celebration, state funerals and the United Nations General Assembly.

"My favorite assignment was the United Nations meeting in New York City," Peyton said. "We got to walk around the city, see sights and meet lots of people."

The famous photo came from Nick's nine-month deployment to Al Asad Air Base, with his previous handler, Army Spc. Joseph J. Lane. During the deployment, Lane and Nick supported the 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

 
"The goggles are worn to protect MWDs from debris and harsh weather," Lane said in a 2023 interview. "In that photo, Nick was wearing them at the range for familiarization. We were at the range for night fire and we flew in [UH-60] Black Hawks with night vision goggles."

Nick's photo was selected from among hundreds to be used by the War Department's global directory.

"When they saw Nick's photo, the creators knew that was the one they wanted," Peyton said.

Since becoming the face of the global directory, Nick garnered a cult following among service members and department civilians. A morale patch made by a small artist has been sold thousands of times.

"It has been nice to see lots of people take to him and fall in love with him," Peyton said. 

"This dog's career is a direct reflection of the high standards and operational lethality we demand from every team in our unit," said Army Capt. Patricio Quezada, 2nd Military Police Detachment commander, as he reflected on Nick and Peyton's time with the unit. "Their success was built on the relentless work of a dedicated handler who exercised patience and translated that into an unbreakable bond between dog and handler."

When adopting a military working dog after their service, handlers have priority. Nick will spend the rest of his years with Peyton and his family.

"Knowing that Nick kept Justin safe for so long, knowing that he protects my husband, has given me a lot of comfort," Lauren Peyton said. "We are looking forward to giving him a comfortable life in retirement."

Spouses Experience a Day of Marine Corps Training

Jan. 23, 2026 | By Marine Corps Cpl. Joaquin Carlos Dela Torre, 3rd Marine Division |

Spouses of 4th Marine Regiment and 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion participated in an "In Their Boots" event at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 15. The one-day event was designed to give spouses a firsthand look at the training their Marine spouses conduct to sustain a ready and capable combat force.

By participating in a series of hands-on activities, spouses can better understand daily challenges while building a stronger connection to their Marine and with other families throughout the commands.

The day included multiple events modeled after standard Marine Corps requirements. Spouses fired rifles on a live-fire range, conducted the obstacle course, completed a modified combat fitness test, descended a rappel tower and rode in a combat rubber reconnaissance craft.

"Our spouses can see not only what their significant other does throughout the day and throughout the year, but the other opportunities that are available in the Marine Corps," said Marine Corps 1st Lt. William Rebert, Headquarters Company executive officer, 4th Marine Regiment.

Throughout the day, Marines assigned to 4th Marine Regiment and 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion served as instructors and safety guides, explaining each task and encouraging spouses. Through their involvement, spouses gained insight into Marine Corps training standards and unit culture.

For many spouses, the experience was both challenging and rewarding.

"It's harder than I thought, and I definitely [have] a lot more respect for the Marines that are able to finish the O-course and the CFT," said Isabelle Rebert, Rebert's wife. "They planned out the schedule really well to show us as much as they could in a one-day span and we got to do a lot of really cool stuff."

Leaders of 4th Marine Regiment emphasized that family readiness is a critical component of mission readiness. Events like "In Their Boots" reinforce the idea that spouses play an essential role in supporting Marines, both at home and during deployments. By the end of the day, participants left with a deeper appreciation for the training that their Marine spouse endures and a deeper connection to their spouse's service.

"It is not often that military spouses can see the intricate complexities and professionalism of their Marine spouse on the job, and this event helped demonstrate how much their Marine is capable of and ready to do on behalf of our nation," said Marine Corps Col. Richard Barclay, commanding officer, 4th Marine Regiment. "This was a great opportunity for the spouses, across several commands, to spend the day together doing high-quality Marine training and foster a greater sense of community amongst our families here in Okinawa. Given the opportunity, I would highly encourage any military spouse to take full advantage of events like this."